alkapton

alkapton

 [al-kap´ton]

a class of substances with an affinity for alkali, sometimes found in the urine and causing the condition known as alkaptonuria. The urinary formation of alkaptons results from the incomplete oxygenation of tyrosine and phenylalanine. The compound commonly found, and most commonly referred to by the term, is homogentisic acid.

ho·mo·gen·tis·ic ac·id

(hō'mō-jen-tis'ik as'id),

Glycosuric acid; (2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)acetic acid; an intermediate in l-phenylalanine and l-tyrosine catabolism; if made alkaline, it oxidizes rapidly in air to a quinone that polymerizes to a melaninlike material; elevated levels are observed in patients with alcaptonuria.

Synonym(s): alcapton, alkapton

ho·mo·gen·tis·ic ac·id

(hō'mō-jen-tis'ik as'id)

An intermediate in l-phenylalanine and l-tyrosine catabolism; if made alkaline, it oxidizes rapidly in air to a quinone that polymerizes to a melaninlike material; elevated levels are observed in individuals having alcaptonuria.
Synonym(s): alcapton, alkapton.